Complete guide on car dealerships

Car dealerships sell used and new cars and help bridge the gap between car manufacturers and buyers.
Car dealerships can either be a franchise dealer where they sell cars from a single car brand only, or an independent dealer where they sell cars from multiple brands. Most dealerships display the cars for sale in a showroom. You can visit these dealerships to inspect and test drive the cars before you buy. Besides selling cars, dealerships may also provide aftersales services like maintenance packages, car finance, insurance and more.

Dealerships advertise their used and new car stock on Autotrader, so start by browsing and shortlisting a couple of cars you’re interested in.
You can use our filters to narrow down your search easily rather than going from one dealership to the other. You can also use our tools such as Autotrader Valuations and Vehicle Check to make a well-informed decision about which car you’d like to buy. If you’ve found your dream car, you can reserve your car online on Autotrader, or you can arrange an appointment to visit the dealership and test drive the car. At the dealership, you should inspect the car thoroughly and discuss financing or payment options. Finally, once you know which car you want to buy, agree on the final price, review the contract carefully and complete the paperwork to drive away your newly purchased car.

Most dealerships clean and detail a car once they’re on their forecourt. They may also fix minor flaws such as dents and dings – not only does this help them attract more buyers but it also helps them increase the value of the car. Plus, it helps them stay on the right side of the law - under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, all cars sold to customers must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. However, you should still do thorough check before buying a car to protect yourself from unexpected costs and potential scams.
Check the V5C registration document (logbook) and ensure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), model, and number plate match the car itself. Check the car’s mileage, service history, MOT status, and any previous accident or damage reports. Also inspect the bodywork for rust, mismatched colours, bubbling or panel gaps, which may suggest accident repairs. Take the car for a test drive to ensure it feels right. You could also consider getting an Autotrader Vehicle Check which provides you with a 27-point independent report on the car’s history to get that extra peace of mind. Complete guide on how to buy a used car.

To negotiate with a dealership, start by doing a little homework. Go to Autotrader and look at other similar make models to find out the fair market value of the car and use our free Valuations tool you want so you have a realistic idea of what’s reasonable.
When you’re at the dealership, approach the negotiation with confidence, remembering that you have options and the power to walk away, but be friendly and respectful. And finally, know your budget ahead of time and stick to it. Having a clear ‘walk-away’ number helps you stay confident and focused.

Most dealerships accept bank transfers, debit cards, cash and a cheque as a form of payment. You could also use a combination of payment methods, for example, a down payment in cash and the rest financed.
Some dealerships also accept credit cards, but usually only for deposits or partial payments because of the transaction fees. However, it’s best to clarify the payment method when finalising the contract so that you’re prepared beforehand as some dealerships may restrictions on what they can and can’t accept. For example, they may have limits on cash payments for security and regulatory reasons. Once the transaction is completed, the dealership will issue you a receipt. Note, some dealerships in the UK receive commission from finance providers when arranging car finance for you – the cost of this commission will be factored into the overall cost of your credit.

Yes, while new cars typically come with two keys as a standard, a dealership may sell you used car without a spare key - especially if that's how they acquired the car.
While the dealership should inform you that only one key is available, it’s best to ask and confirm whether the dealership has both keys before the purchase as replacement keys can be expensive. In case the dealership doesn’t have a spare key, you could ask the dealer to either provide a replacement or adjust the price accordingly.

Some dealerships may offer some insurance services or partner with insurers to provide vehicle insurance options. Car dealerships most commonly offer a temporary drive-away insurance which provides you with immediate cover to drive your new vehicle home while you finalise your own insurance policy. Some dealerships also offer extended warranties or vehicle service contracts. These are optional products that provide additional coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty, covering aspects like mechanical breakdowns or repairs after the standard warranty period expires. It’s always wise to shop around and compare quotes to find the best deal on your insurance.

Car dealerships in the UK are typically open on weekends, including Saturdays and Sundays, though their hours may be shorter on Sundays to comply with retail trading laws.
On bank holidays, some dealerships operate regular or reduced hours, while others may close or offer limited digital services only. It’s best to check their website or give them a ring to confirm their days and hours before making the trip.

Yes, you can sell your car at a dealership in the UK. Many dealerships buy cars outright or accept them as part-exchange toward your next vehicle. To sell your car to dealership, the dealer will inspect your vehicle, negotiate a price, and handle the paperwork including notifying the DVLA about the ownership transfer.

Many car dealerships are dog friendly, however, it’s best to call ahead as pet policies can vary. When taking your dog to a car dealership, ensure your dog is well-behaved and calm before entering as a stressed or excited dog could cause disruptions, and always keep your dog on a lead or in a secure harness to prevent them from wandering or jumping on staff and customers.

Most dealerships aren’t owned by the manufacturers themselves, but rather, they operate under a franchise agreement with them. With a franchise agreement, the manufacturer grants permission to the dealerships to sell and service its vehicles while the dealerships maintain their own ownership and management. However, some manufacturers like Mercedes, Tesla and Volvo are moving towards an agency-model where they have their own showrooms that help them control the vehicle pricing, inventory, and customer relationships more directly.

Some dealerships do offer the option to hold a car for a short period, typically through a reservation system that often requires a reservation fee. The reservation fee and the holding period varies depending on the dealership, so it’s wise to ask the dealership how long they will hold a car for you, whether a deposit is needed to hold it, and under what conditions it will be refunded. You can also reserve a car online on Autotrader for a fully refundable fee of £99. If you reserve your car on Autotrader, you’ll also get a free vehicle history check to make sure everything’s as it should be.

Many dealerships offer home delivery services for convenience, especially for online or long-distance purchases, making it easier than ever to buy your next vehicle from the comfort of your home. Typically, once you’ve found your car, you can arrange a convenient delivery slot directly with the dealership. On delivery day, you should have your driving licence, insurance, road tax, and payment documents ready, as you’ll need these to take the car away. The dealership will handle necessary checks and prep, and you should carefully inspect the paperwork such as the V5C registration document upon receipt. The home delivery might be free or it may incur a fee depending on the distance and dealer policy, so make sure you check that beforehand.

Yes, you can get your car serviced at a different dealership or an independent garage without voiding your manufacturer’s warranty, as long as they follow the manufacturer’s schedule and use the correct manufacturer-approved parts and fluids. However, some finance agreements, like PCP or lease deals, might require servicing at an approved dealership to maintain guaranteed future value, so always check your contract terms.
You should keep a full record of the service history, including stamped service books and detailed invoices, to prove your car has been maintained properly.

In some cases a dealership can settle your outstanding car finance for you. For example, when you part-exchange a vehicle under a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP) agreement, the dealer will often obtain the settlement figure from your lender and pay it directly, subtracting it from the value of your trade-in vehicle. That said, you should always ensure the settlement figure is confirmed in writing and check you won’t end up with unexpected extra costs when the deal is finalised.

If you’re unhappy with the service you’ve received from a dealership, the first step is to raise your concerns in writing with the dealership itself - explain clearly what went wrong and what you would like them to do. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can approach an independent body like The Motor Ombudsman, which offers free dispute resolution specifically for automotive issues. This body can investigate your complaint and help you reach a fair solution. Keeping records of all communications and relevant documents will support your case.
Ready to buy a car? Maybe it’s time for Autotrader… browse cars today to find your dream car.